Investor confidence in Nigeria improved significantly in 2025, with the Nigerian Stock Exchange posting a 48.12 percent gain and foreign direct investment rising to $720 million, according to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The President disclosed this in his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians as the country entered 2026, noting that the positive market performance reflected growing confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction following reforms implemented by his administration.
In the message, Tinubu said, “In 2025, the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed its peers, posting a robust 48.12 per cent gain and consolidating its bullish run that began in the second half of 2023.” He explained that the performance showed renewed optimism among investors despite global economic uncertainties.
The President also highlighted a sharp rise in foreign direct investment, saying, “Foreign direct investment is also responding positively. In the third quarter of 2025, FDI rose to $720 million, up from $90 million in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.”
According to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the improved investment outlook was supported by sound monetary policy management and broader economic reforms aimed at stabilising key indicators and restoring confidence in the market.
He added that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, saying this provided a substantial buffer against external shocks for the Naira and strengthened investor perception of the economy’s resilience.
Tinubu said global credit rating agencies had acknowledged Nigeria’s economic progress, noting that institutions such as Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s had consistently affirmed and applauded the country’s reform trajectory.
He said the government’s focus in 2026 would be to consolidate these gains and deepen reforms to attract more long-term investments. According to him, moderating inflation and interest rates would create more fiscal space and improve conditions for businesses and investors.
The President explained that stronger investor confidence would support job creation, business expansion, and access to capital for startups and SMEs, adding that the administration remained committed to policies that promote transparency, stability, and competitiveness.
Tinubu said the reforms undertaken were difficult but necessary, stressing that the positive response from investors showed Nigeria was moving in the right direction. He expressed confidence that sustained discipline and unity of purpose would help position the country for stronger investment inflows and continued market growth in 2026.
